Denver-Aurora-Lakewood Homes Among Colorado's Most Expensive

Nearby communities drive up regional home values, while gambling resources face scrutiny

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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The Denver-Aurora-Lakewood metro area contains more high-priced housing markets than any other Colorado metro, with 11 cities in the state's top 30 most expensive home markets. Meanwhile, concerns are rising over whether Colorado's problem gambling resources are keeping pace with the surge in sports betting.

Why it matters

The high home prices in the Denver metro area, including Lakewood, reflect the growing wealth divide and housing affordability crisis impacting many Colorado communities. At the same time, the rapid expansion of legalized gambling raises questions about the availability of adequate support services for those struggling with problem gambling.

The details

According to January 2026 Zillow data, nearby communities like Cherry Hills Village, Bow Mar, and Columbine Valley are driving up regional home values in the Denver-Aurora-Lakewood metro over the past five years. This piece also examines whether Colorado's problem gambling resources, including treatment options and support hotlines, are keeping up with the surge in sports betting and nonstop betting advertisements.

  • The ranking of Colorado's most expensive home markets is based on January 2026 Zillow data.
  • The article about Colorado's problem gambling resources was published on February 21, 2026.

The players

Denver-Aurora-Lakewood metro

The Denver-Aurora-Lakewood metropolitan area, which contains more high-priced housing markets than any other Colorado metro, with 11 cities in the state's top 30 most expensive home markets.

Problem Gambling Coalition of Colorado

An organization that provides resources and support for those struggling with problem gambling in Colorado.

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The takeaway

This report highlights the growing wealth divide and housing affordability crisis in the Denver metro area, as well as the need for Colorado to ensure its problem gambling resources are adequate to support those impacted by the rapid expansion of legalized sports betting.